CENTRAL SCHOOL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 117, 18 April 1931, Page 10

CENTRAL SCHOOL

YEAR’S WORK REVIEWED

IMPROVEMENTS TO GROUNDS.

Considerable progress has been made in improving facilities at the Central School during the year, according to the committee’s annual report, which states: —

“The balance-sheet discloses that £SBO 19s lias passed through the committee’s hands during the year._ The expenditure amounted to £541 17s 6d, so that the year has ended with a credit balance of £39 Is sd. The average attendance for the year was 763, the average roll number being 820. The school continued to maintain its high standard of sportsmanship. all departments receiving organised instruction in physical drill, games and swimming. Good w-ork is being done on the scholastic side, as was show’n by the proficiency results at the end of the year, when, out of a class of 84 pupils, 69 gained proficiency and 13 competency certificates. “At the beginning of the year Miss Baldwin was appointed head mistress of the infant school, and we have reason to congratulate ourselves ou the excellent appointment which was made, as the health and happiness of the little ones is largely due to her constant care and attention. Otherwise no move than tho usual changes have taken place during the vear. We are pleased to note that the school has been free from any epidemic or serious sickness, and through the untiring energy of Dr. E. Gunn and her staff, good work continues in this department. Two fully qualified nur.ses are being kept busy in the dental clinic, and we look forward to the establishment of the central clinic, when two more nurses will be added.

“in place of the usual picnic a tabloid sports clay was held, and proved a decided success. The ball was held and showed a profit, a most enjoyable time being spent. Concerts and' a children’s party, held in the assembly hall, proved to be a financial success. Commemoration services were held at the school on both Anzac and Armistice Days, being well attended by parents and pupils. “The baths were opened on December 12 and closed to the public on February 28, the season being a very unsatisfactory one from a financial viewpoint, due, no doubt, to the unfavourable weather. “The committee has attended carefully to the requirements of the school. While no improvements bearing subsidies have been carried out, advantage has been taken of the No/ 5 unemployment scheme, and the foundations have been laid for a fullsize basketball area. The concrete kerbing and drainage has been completed, while hedge and garden plots have been prepared for planting and grass plots levelled and sown down. This work should prove a good asset to the school in future. The sum of £216 has been spent in wages and £44 in materials, most of the latter being found by the staff and pupils. “Tho committee wishes to thank the Wanganui Education Board for its attention and favourable consideration at all times. To the local members, Messrs Oram und Woodroofe, we tender our appreciation; also to the headmaster (Mr E. Bary) and his staff for the efficient manner in which the school has been conducted in the past, and for the assistance they have at all times rendered the committee. The caretaker (Mr Ihle) continues to give good service, and the committee has pleasure in complimenting him on the manner in which his work is done, both inside and outside the school, tho grounds under his care being well attended. “On account of the recent earthquake, the evacuation of the school was ordered on March 19. Tho tiles wore removed from the roof of the infant department, and it was recovered with corrugated iron. This work was completed on March 30 and the school was resumed the following day for senior scholars, the -whole school being housed in temporary premises in Lombard Street, Campbell Street and at the Showgrounds. The main Central School building is at present unoccupied, the clinic being removed to temporary rooms in Cuba Street. “Thanks are due to the ladies’ committee for their valued services in raising funds for various improvements. One street stall alone realised £l4 10s. The ladies’ committee has been under the guidance of Mrs J. A. Grant. The committee extend their best thanks to those retiring for the interest and cooperation which they have shown, to tho secretary (Mr W. H. Brown) for his untiring efforts and unfailing courtesy at all times in carrying out important duties ; to the householders and business people for their liberal response to appeals continually being made for the cause of education and betterment of conditions for both pupils and staff.”